This culminated in the visit of BT Sports and Brian O’Driscoll to highlight the good work being done and how the partnership between Ulster Rugby and ACN is growing the game in the wider community. On the day Ulster Rugby and ACN delivered rugby sessions at the Hammer Complex and Whiterock Leisure Centre to a very enthusiastic group of players new to the sport. The ACN volunteer coaches are now actively delivering further rugby sessions within their own communities.
This was the first time that Ulster Rugby had worked with ACN and it is hoped to continue this relationship to grow the game.
Chris Galway (Coach Development Officer) commented: “The more qualified active rugby coaches we have the more potential there is to grow the game provincially. Therefore we were delighted to be able to upskill the ACN volunteers so they can now deliver non contact rugby sessions within their own communities. It was also fantastic that BT Sport recognised the vital contribution that Ulster Rugby and ACN are making to enhance young people lives through sport and the presence of Brian O’Driscoll certainly made the day. This project was only viable due to the continued support of the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL) through the 'Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport' programme.”